Some have said that Samson was a He-Man with a She-Weakness. We might also say that he was someone with Dynamite Potential but was derailed by a Distraction Problem. Here are 10 Leftovers from my recent sermon on Judges 13-14.
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2. God's purpose for Samson was empowered by the gifts He gave to Samson. In the same way God has empowered the church to accomplish the purpose He gave them (Matthew 28 & 1 Corinthians 13)
3. Why was God willing to consistently punish the Canaanites?
- His original desire was to bless them through Abraham (Genesis 12:3).
- He patiently waited for them to repent (Genesis 15:16, 2 Peter 3:9)
- Even in the midst of judgment, He extended grace to those who came to him. (Rahab - Hebrews 11:31)
4. EVERYTHING in the Samson story needs to be viewed through this lens: The Philistines were the enemies of God and God's people. God's intention was to remove their evil from the earth (something we all appreciate)
5. Some degree of Samson's failure can be attached to his parent's weakness. They did not need to affirm Samson's sin (marriage to Philistine), but they chose to facilitate it and participate in it. Permissive parenting is always easier but never better.
6. Samson and his parents were all terribly flawed. God still used them in unexpected ways. God uses flawed people!
7. Samson's purpose was to begin saving Israel from the Philistines. David finished the job. David's job was to begin the royal line of the Messiah. Jesus finished the job. Samson was to David as David was to Jesus.
8. Distractions are wrong way attractions.
9. To avoid a distracted life, FOCUS ON:
- What you have, not what you don't have.
- Who is with you, not who is against you
- Where you're going, not where you've been
10. When the lion rushed at Samson, God's Spirit rushed into Samson. God always gives us exactly what we need to face whatever comes our way.
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